Singapore Airlines (SIA) set off to the city of Phuket on 4 March on a narrow body Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft that once belonged to the SilkAir fleet. The aircraft was painted in SIA’s livery and retrofitted – it now has 12 Business Class and 150 Economy Class seats, as well as the KrisWorld in-flight entertainment system.
This is part of SIA’s plans to integrate SilkAir to its parent airline (announced in 2018) and to progressively transfer SilkAir’s routes to SIA. The full integration of SilkAir into Singapore Airlines is scheduled for completion in the 2021/22 financial year and the move marks the end of SilkAir as a separate, regional wing of SIA after 31 years. The Boeing 737-800 NG joins SIA’s existing fleet of wide body aircraft, making it the airline’s only single aisle narrow body aircraft.
With the merger, SIA promises its customers a world-class experience, “no matter how short your journey”. This means passengers get to dig into meals created by SIA’s international culinary panel of chefs and try wine curated by SIA’s panel of wine experts. Business Class passengers can also opt for the Book the Cook service. For information on the merger, as well as upcoming routes SIA will fly to, read more here.
Passengers on board the first Phuket flight were treated to world-class service offered by SIA’s cabin crew (formerly SilkAir crew who had undergone extensive training), as well as special food and beverage options to commemorate this special event.
A selection of Singapore and Thai dishes were offered to both Business Class and Economy Class passengers, and this will only be available until the end of March 2021. The special dishes include Singapore Nasi Lemak (for Business Class), Seafood Pad Thai (both Business and Economy Class), Thai Green Curry with Rice (Business Class), Seafood Hor Fun (Business Class) and Tom Yum Vermicelli with Prawns (Economy Class) for mains. For dessert (during lunch and dinner only), options are Ondeh Ondeh Cake and Pulut Hitam Cake for Economy Class, and Thai Steamed Tapioca in Coconut Milk and Thai Coconut Custard for Business Class.
Business Class passengers also received a special treat in the form of a celebratory cocktail that is specially concocted for the occasion by the Cabin Crew Sommeliers. Named Tropical Sunrise, it is a cheery bright red beverage that comprises vodka, strawberry puree, tonic water and 7-Up. The drink will be offered to all Business Class passengers who are on the Boeing 737-800 NG flight to and from each destination. A non-alcoholic version is available upon request.
Another bonus: A Penhaligon’s amenity kit will be given to all Business and Economy Class passengers who are on board a Boeing 737-800 NG flight for the month of March 2021. Thereafter, it will be given to all inaugural Boeing 737-800 NG flights to and from each new destination. The kit comprises an elegant folio-style zip bag in a delicious shade of forest green that holds three Penhaligon’s products – a bottle of lip balm (4g), a tube of hand lotion (30ml) and a facial mist (7ml), all in Penhaligon’s citrus-based Quercus scent. A special limited edition version of the kit, containing an additional Luna perfume roll-on bottle (5ml), will be given out while stocks last.
Singapore Airlines ensures its passengers travel safely at every step of their journey. To learn more about the safety measures in place to safeguard the wellbeing of customers and crew, please visit here. For updates and travel advisories, please visit Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
This story was originally published on 4 March 2021 and updated on 18 March 2021.
